Dirty Dive

[Guest]

Hi,Can anyone tell me why, when I get an aircraft onto the ILS and use autopilot it generally seems to dive and if I don't disengage the autopilot and pull up it hits the ground.I've also noticed that some aircraft (like Phoenix 777) climb well above the rate of climb and would stall if left aloneI've calibrated my joystick but no joy (so as to speak!)KD

[John_Cillis 2,406]

The only way you can ride the ILS all the way to the runway, is either via an autoland gauge, or my Autoland 2002 program. In addition, your settings on approach must be stable to catch and maintain the G/S lock.In most instances, I find the thrust setting the most important. The aircraft can compensate for the G/S much more easily if you can maintain a speed to within +/- 5ts. I actually come into the G/S about ten miles out, usually with 30 degrees flap. I reduce speed as per what's expected for the aircraft type. Using Autoland 2002, I hit the numbers almost every time.-John

[Guest]

John,Thanks very much - sorry for not replying sooner - been away for a day. I'll try your Autoland!KD

[David Vega 348]

Three lessons I've learned from other post and practical experience: 1. You must intercept the glideslop from below. 2. You have to be close to landing speed when intercepting the glideslope. I even lower the landing gear just before intercept. 3. You can't have too much fuel left in your tanks. Load only the fuel amount estimated for the flight plus your reserve. Meeting these three items makes the autopilot intercept both the localizer and glideslope with no " dirty dive." Try it.Dave Vega

[Guest]

Dave,Thanks for the info. Great thing about this forum is that its so friendly and that everyone out there is willing to help out - even if the question appears simple! Thanks,KD